Tyler Hansbrough signed with the Charlotte Hornets this offseason after averaging 3.6 points and 3.6 rebounds (both career lows) per game with the Toronto Raptors last season. Coach Steve Clifford likes the addition because he knows that Hansbrough will bring energy and intensity to the court.
Clifford said that in order for Hansbrough to get his career back on path, he’ll need to show an effective mid-range jumper and continue to attack the boards on both ends of the court. Hansbrough admits that the system in Toronto didn’t allow him to display his shooting skills like he once did with the Indiana Pacers.
Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer wrote about what Clifford expects Hansbrough’s role to be for the upcoming season:
- "'Tyler is energetic. He’s not big and strong by NBA (standards). He’s more a power forward. As a center he has to rely on tenacity and quickness.' One of Hansbrough’s natural strengths is offensive rebounding and the Hornets haven’t been particularly strong in that area. That’s in part by design because Clifford’s first concern is players getting back in transition defense rather than trying to crash the boards. Clifford hopes Hansbrough will apply himself just as effectively as a defensive rebounder. 'I feel like as an offensive rebounder you’re more in pursuit (of the ball), where as a defensive rebounder you’re more in a one-on-one battle with your man,' Hansbrough said. 'Sometimes size is a factor, but that’s something I’m aware of and working on.'"
